Abstract
The global panzootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that began in 2021 has caused unprecedented outbreaks in poultry and mass mortality in wild birds, as well as detection in multiple mammalian species. The impact on seabird colonies has been especially severe, threatening species already at risk of extinction. Pelicans are among the most affected, with thousands reported dead in parts of South America. Captive Australian pelicans have also succumbed to HPAI H5 in several zoos worldwide, including at Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium in November 2022. Since the first major HPAI epizootic in 2005, Europe has included vaccination for captive wild birds, such as those in zoos, in its HPAI control strategies. To improve protection, new vaccine technologies aim to achieve a better antigenic match with circulating HPAI strains and elicit broader immune responses.
This study assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a self-amplifying RNA vaccine encoding clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5 in captive great white and Australian pelicans. The vaccine proved safe for use in pelicans. Immunized pelicans showed an increase in H5 seroconversion rates, indicating a positive immune response. These findings suggest that the self-amplifying RNA H5 vaccine is a promising tool for protecting vulnerable captive pelican populations from HPAI, supporting broader conservation efforts for at-risk avian species.
This study assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a self-amplifying RNA vaccine encoding clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5 in captive great white and Australian pelicans. The vaccine proved safe for use in pelicans. Immunized pelicans showed an increase in H5 seroconversion rates, indicating a positive immune response. These findings suggest that the self-amplifying RNA H5 vaccine is a promising tool for protecting vulnerable captive pelican populations from HPAI, supporting broader conservation efforts for at-risk avian species.
Co-Author(s)
Fiona Ingrao1, Alicia Quiévy2, Sander Van Hees1, Steven van Borm1, Florent Lavigne3,4, Gwenaëlle Dauphin3, Bénédicte Lambrecht1
1Avian Virology and Immunology, Sciensano, Belgium
2Pairi Daiza, Belgium
3Ceva Santé Animale, France
4Ceva Wildlife Research Fund
Abstract Category
Diagnostics, vaccination, or other mitigation strategies for poultry and wildlife